SWH 2025 Event Guide by New York Urban League

SheWorks Hardforthe Money

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

SheWorks Hardforthe Money

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move. Dinner

InhonorofWomen’sBusinessMonth,theNewYork UrbanLeagueSmallBusinessSOLUTIONSCenter invitesyoutoanunforgettableeveninghonoring thewomenwhodomorethanjustshowup;they build,grow,lead,andgothedistance.

Thisprivatedinnercelebratesmembersofour SBSCcommunitywhoexemplifywhatitmeanstobe amodernentrepreneur:drivenbypurpose,fueled bylearning,andcommittedtothelonggame.

Enjoyaneveningofpowerfulconversation,fine dining,andwell-earnedrecognitionamongfellow womenfounderswhounderstandthegrindandthe graceofbuildingsomethingreal.

Thisisanexclusive,invitation-onlyevent.

Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Time: 5:30 pm

Location: The Victoria Theater Restaurant

dining room

SheWorksHardfor theMoney

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move. Dinner

DearEsteemedWomenBusinessLeaders,

Iamthrilledtopersonallywelcomeyouto"SheWorksHardforHer Money"privatedinner.Tonightisacelebrationoftheincredible achievementsyou’vemadeasentrepreneursandleadersshaping thefutureofNewYorkCity.

AttheNewYorkUrbanLeague(NYUL),ourhistoricmissionis anchoredfirmlyineconomicempowerment.Webelievesmall businessownership especiallybydynamicBlackwomenlikeyou isthebedrockofcommunitywealthandsustainablegrowth.We areprofoundlycommittedtoprovidingtheresourcesandadvocacy necessaryforyourbusinessestonotjustsurvive,buttotrulythrive eveninchallengingtimes.

Pleasetakethisopportunitytoforgepowerfulnewconnectionsand exchangeinsightswithoneanother.Yourcollectivewisdomisan invaluableresource.Bynetworkingtonight,youbuildastronger, moreresilienteconomiccommunity.

WeencourageyoutoremainconnectedtotheNewYorkUrban League.Yourcontinuedsuccessfuelsourmissiontodriveimpactful economicdevelopmentacrossallfiveboroughs. Enjoytheevening!

Sincerely,

ArvaRice President and CEO New York Urban League

SheWorksHardfor theMoney

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

ArvaRice President and CEO

New York Urban League

Arva is President & CEO of the New York Urban League (NYUL), an organization with a rich history and long legacy of service to New Yorkers. Today, the mission of the NYUL is to enable African Americans and other underserved communities to secure a firstclass education, economic self-reliance, and equal respect for their civil rights through programs, services, and advocacy. Arva Rice has over 25 years of experience in the non-profit arena, ranging from working with New York City entrepreneurs in a micro lending program to working with young people as a counselor, mentor, and tutor. Most recently, Arva was nominated by Mayor Eric Adams as Interim Chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the NYC City Council Recharter Commission and a Trustee at First Corinthians Baptist Church. She graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, and lives in Harlem.

SheWorksHardfor theMoney

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

DearPowerhouses,

AttheNewYorkUrbanLeagueSmallBusinessSOLUTIONSCenter (NYULSBSC),weseeyou,supportyou,andcontinuetobuildthis ecosystemwithyouinmind.SheWorksHardfortheMoneyisn’t justadinner;it’samovementhonoringwomenwhobuildwith purposeandleadwithheart.Truepowerlivesinthewomenwho showup,dothework,andbringotherswiththem.AsDirectorof theNYULSBSC,I’mhonoredtostandwithsuchpowerhousesand tokeepbuildingthetablewherewomenwin.

Warmest, GinaB.Ramcharan Director New York Urban League

Small Business SOLUTIONS Center

SheWorksHardfor theMoney

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

GinaBlalockRamcharan

Chief Idea Curator | Idea Manufacturer

Director New York Urban League

Small Business SOLUTIONS Center

GinaB.Ramcharanisapowerhouseofinnovation,strategy,and transformation AsFounderandChiefIdeaCuratorofIdea Manufacturer,theHarlem-basedboutiqueconsultancyshe launchedin2013,Ginahelpsentrepreneursclarifytheirvision, strengthenoperations,andbuildbrandsthatwin.Herclientsspan industries,benefitingfromherraremixofcreativity,discipline,and foresight.

Aseasonedbusinessarchitect,Gina’sinfluenceextendsbeyond consulting.AsDirectoroftheNewYorkUrbanLeagueSmall BusinessSOLUTIONSCenter(SBSC),shecuratesprograms includingPitchBlack,ChristmasinJuly,and3rdSpaceSessions, unitingcorporate,nonprofit,andcommunitysectorstocreate collaborationsthatdrivelastingimpact.

AgraduateofSyracuseUniversity’sS.I.NewhouseSchoolofPublic Communications,Ginahasbeenrecognizedforhervisionary leadershipandremainscommittedtoempoweringentrepreneurs andshapingthefutureofbusiness,oneideaatatime.

SheWorksHardfor theMoney

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

GreetingsPioneers!

I’mproudtocelebratetheNewYorkUrbanLeague’s“SheWorks HardfortheMoney”eventinhonorofWomen’sSmallBusiness Month.Thisyear’stheme,ACCESS,ismorethanaword it’sa mindset.Trueaccessmeansseeingopportunitiesbeyondthe surface,embracingresources,andpioneeringgrowth stepping intounchartedterritorytoexpandyourbusiness,influence,and impact.

Atthisevent,youwillgaindirectaccesstoexpertsinacurated setting,receivingguidance,strategies,andinsightstostrengthen yourbusinessandbroadenyourreach.Accessopensdoors,shifts perspectives,andprovidesthetools,confidence,andopportunityto takemeaningfulaction.Itisachancetoconnect,learn,andleave inspiredtochartyourownpathtosuccess!

UPScelebratesallentrepreneurswhoembracethismindset,taking boldstepsforwardandshapingthefutureofentrepreneurship. Wishingyougreatsuccess!

Sincerely,

La’KerriJackson

Global Director of Social Impact UPS

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

"She believed shecould, soshedid."

We’re here to make sure she keeps doing.

- The UP Foundation

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

Still working hard right alongside you.

TD Bank is proud to return as a sponsor of She Works Hard for the Money.

SheWorksHardfor theMoney

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

JennyLow Executive Advisor, MWBE & Small Business

Division of Minority & Women’s Business Development

Empire State Development Corp.

Jenny has dedicated her career to strengthening underserved communities through leadership in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. She currently serves as Executive Advisor at Empire State Development Corp’s Division of Minority & Women’s Business Development (DMWBD), which oversees New York State’s MWBE Program, managing certification, supporting firms in accessing contracting opportunities, and working with agencies to meet State MWBE goals. Previously, she was Deputy Secretary to Governor Kathy Hochul, managing the Constituency Affairs team, and held senior roles at the New York City Council. In the private sector, she spent nearly three decades in small business lending and philanthropy at the nation’s largest financial institution.

For 30 years, Jenny also served on the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) board, helping to transform it into the nation’s largest Asian social services organization. She graduated cum laude from Yale University with a B.A. in Applied Mathematics and Management Science.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

KimMarshall Director & Founder, Wilson Marshall PR & Special Events

Kim Marshall is the award-winning Director and Founder of Wilson Marshall PR+Events, a boutique New York City communications firm specializing in influencer relations, public relations, social media, and special events. Since 2012, she has led campaigns for entrepreneurial brands, non-profits, and cultural organizations, and in 2020 expanded with WM Experiences for hospitality and lifestyle clients. A native New Yorker with more than 20 years of experience, she has been recognized by City & State Magazine, Crain’s New York Business, and Schneps Media. She is a recipient of the Diversity Action Alliance G.E.M.S. Award and Harlem Fashion Week’s Trailblazer of the Year.

Her thought leadership has been featured in outlets including Vogue and Black Food Folks, and she has spoken on panels for BRIC, The Event Planner Expo, and NYC Celebrates Women. Marshall is a member of Forbes BLK, serves on the Board of New York City Children’s Theater, and is a dedicated supporter of the Food Bank for New York City. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (SUNY), she lives in New York and is most proud of her role as mother to her son, Mandela.

theMoney

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

NikoaEvans Founder

The Nitty Gritty With Nikoa

Nikoa Evans is an award-winning strategist, speaker, and thought leader with over 30 years of marketing, business, and community development leadership. Raised in a military family across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., she brings a global perspective that thriving communities are built on cultural legacy, entrepreneurial spirit, and shared spaces of belonging. For 26 years, she has called Harlem home, recognized as a key architect of its commercial renaissance. She co-created the nationally recognized Harlem Local Vendor Program with Whole Foods Market and Columbia Business School, helping more than 250 entrepreneurs scale and expand distribution.

She is also Co-founder and Executive Producer of the HCF Experience, reimagining the vision of the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival for today. Evans serves on the Board of Maison 276, is a Charter Member and Foundation Chair of the Empire NYC Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and has been a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. member since 1990. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Stanford University and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.

SheWorksHardfor theMoney

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

PrincessUchekwe Attorney | Advisor | Speaker

PrincessUchekweisadual-licensedNewYorkandCalifornia attorneywitheightyearsofexperiencehelpinggrowingbusinesses navigatelegalchallengeswithconfidence.AsthefounderofThe ChiefCounsel,aboutiquelawpracticeofferingfractionalgeneral counselservices,shepartnerswithentrepreneursandbusiness leaderstomakesmart,strategicdecisionsonacost-effectivebasis

Beforelaunchingherownfirm,Princessservedasin-housecounsel atEldrige,supportingcomplexdealsintech,media,entertainment, andrealestate Today,sheworkscloselywithsmallandmid-sized companiestoprovidepracticallegalsupportacrosscontracts, fundraising,andoperations.

ShealsoadvisesonAIandemergingtechnologies,helping companiesembraceinnovationinwaysthatareethical,legally sound,andalignedwithemergingregulatorystandards.

Shebelievesinlawasatoolforclarity,protection,andmomentum.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

AnneV.Louis Adonix Medical

Anne V. Louis is a founder and cross-industry builder passionate about equitable, tech-driven solutions. She co-founded Adonix Medical, an AI-native medtech startup supporting post-ICU caregivers. She brings a decade of experience leading product operations and digital transformation across media and healthcare, driving measurable impact for enterprise teams and underserved communities.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

Fix It With Piggy

Ashonda Culcleasure founded Fix It With Piggy, an EdTech company in the Bronx that empowers youth through hands-on tech education, repair services, and digital literacy programs, bridging the gap between community needs and workforce opportunities.

AshondaCulcleasure

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

CarmellaC.Charrington Runner In The 90's LLC

The pandemic challenges deepened my understanding of the importance of human connection and created lasting memories. I actively worked with a dedicated team to address systemic issues related to stolen properties. I've continued to deliver excellent services to my clients.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

CharleciaJoyCole Stapledon Arts

Charlecia Joy is an artist, educator, and entrepreneur with Caribbean roots, dedicated to making art more inclusive. As Founder/CEO of Stapledon Arts, she creates innovative art supplies and community programs. With a BFA and MA, she bridges education, business, and creativity to spark authentic expression and impact.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

CharmaineBrowne Herbal Harvest

Charmaine Browne is a Public Health Nutritionist, Research Scientist, and Online Wellness Influencer with an online community of over 400,000 people. Charmaine is the founder of Herbal Harvest, a culturally rooted wellness brand, and received her master's degree in Global Public Health Nutrition. She's dedicated to improving health at scale.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

DelanaPrudhomme Mosaic Accounting Group

Inc.

Founder & CEO of Mosaic Accounting Group, a fullservice accounting and advisory firm supporting ecommerce brands, startups, and nonprofits. Dedicated to empowering business owners with clarity, strategy, and growth.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

DollyParks

NLB Artistry Inc

Dolly Parks is the owner and founder of NLB Artistry.

NLB is an acronym for nails, lashes, and brows. There is an art to doing nails, lashes, and brows. Dolly is a female entrepreneur who's unapologetically building a brand in the beauty industry.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

DonnetteLyttle

Love Conquers All: All Things Fashion and Beauty

Donnette Lyttle dubbed the Queen from Queens is an entrepreneur, fashion icon, designer, author, and speaker. With 20+ years in fashion, beauty, and business, including a decade at Ralph Lauren, she leads Love Conquers All Salon and Moisture Loc, empowering communities through style, self-expression, and purpose-driven creativity.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

JodiBrockington

NIARA Consulting

Jodi Brockington is a strategic architect of equity, innovation, and impact. Founder of NIARA Consulting, BLENDiD, and the FOJ Network. She builds inclusive ecosystems across sectors. A sought-after advisor and speaker, she serves on multiple boards and has been recognized as a Top 100 DEI Leader and 40 Under 40 honoree.

Kayotikz

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

Kamilah Torres is the founder of Kayotikz, a curated marketplace for custom sneakers. She fuses art and technology to reimagine the shopping experience, showcasing sneakers as wearable art that celebrates creativity and individuality.

KamilahTorres

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

KhareseGittens

Get PressedT

Kharese Gittens is the CEO and founder of Get PressedT. She is a Brooklyn, NY native, 90s baby, Aries with a modeling, dance, and engineering background. She is a lover of fashion and art. The chosen medium is press-on nails to express beautiful, intricate nail art. Top three values: autonomy, community, and equity.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

KrissyMoore Senior Vice President & Community Relations

Northeast Sr. Manager

Wells Fargo

An experienced leader in corporate social responsibility, government relations, and community affairs with a proven track record of helping the business community maximize its social impact.

Krissy is dedicated to forging partnerships that result in meaningful change. She is a strategic expert in driving initiatives that bring corporations and nonprofits together to address the most pressing local needs.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

LaSonyaThompson InterFaith Productions Inc.

Film Festival Founder and Film Producer based in NYC seeking faith-related projects.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

LaToyaClark Bougie Blazer

LaToya Chanté Clark, Founder of Bougie Blazer, merges fashion and consumption culture through ecoconscious, upcycled luxury accessories. Her brand redefines smoking style with refillable lighters, tubes, and statement pieces, empowering the community to embrace individuality, sustainability, and sophistication.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

LeticiaRobinson Botanical Moment

Leticia Robinson, a woman-owned entrepreneur from Harlem, is the visionary behind Botanical Moment, an organic tea & wellness brand dedicated to fostering holistic well-being. Leticia is not simply selling tea; she's providing a gateway to intentional living, inviting customers to embrace the brand’s motto: "Take a moment and drink with purpose."

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

MatildaNwoke AMA NWOKE LLC

Matilda Ama Nwoke is the Founder and Head Designer of AMA NWOKE, a luxury womenswear and accessories brand redefining modern luxury through bold design and craftsmanship. Launched in 2019, her signature tailored suits are worn by stars like Kandi Burruss and Natasha Lyonne- celebrating individuality and Black representation in fashion.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

MelissaBaptiste MelissaBStudios

Melissa Baptiste is a photographer and the founder of MelissaBStudios. Her work blends storytelling, portraiture, and production to highlight individuality and culture. Dedicated to both artistry and mentorship, Melissa creates photo experiences, leads workshops, and inspires emerging creatives through her commitment to community, collaboration, and authentic storytelling.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

MilkaRodriguez

Globetrotting Dominicana LLC

Globetrotting Dominicana is a tourism social venture that provides off grid, authentic, unique nature and cultural immersion experiences and grassroots youth sustainability service learning and leadership travel programs that expose youth to green careers and professional development. These experiences support local economies, cultural heritage preservation, and businesses. This is sustainable travel with a Caribbean flair!

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

MoniqueCGlover Zyem LLC

Monique “Mo” Glover is a NYC-based designer, creative educator, and founder of ZYEM LLC, a family lifestyle brand blending fashion, culture, and creativity. She empowers youth through hands-on design experiences and is passionate about self-expression, heritage, and building bold, purposeful style.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

NatashaRagin Eat My Cake Too

Natasha Ragin is the proud owner of Eat My Cake Too, a dessert catering business specializing in celebrations, events, and markets.

Cakes, Cupcakes, Cookies, etc., to name a few options available. Customizable for your theme. Instagram @eatmycaketoo.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

NievesF.M.Bonilla Poletic Justice Inc

Nieves Bonilla is an international performing pole artist and founder of Poletic Justice. Blending Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Jamaican roots, she empowers women to embrace confidence, healing, and self-expression through movement, turning pole artistry into a celebration of strength, freedom, and transformation.

NinaKurti VFX Freelance

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

Born and raised in Tirana, Albania, Nina Kurti studied Film, TV, and Theatre Directing at the Academy of Arts in Prishtina, Kosovo. Thirteen years ago, she moved to New York to pursue her dream of making Hollywood films.

After a long and successful career in filmmaking, Nina has developed a newfound passion for business and the inner workings of building a company. She is eager to explore this path further, especially among peers with similar interests.

theMoney

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

PortiaGreerWallace IceScreamy

Portia Greer Wallace, born in Trinidad and Tobago and shaped by New York hustle, blends heritage, heart, and bold flavor in every scoop. Inspired by her parents’ artistry and her grandmother’s kitchen magic, she created IceScreamy, a fearless celebration of creativity, community, and the pure joy of ice cream.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

PrincessDennis

Nekai Léon

Princess Dennis’s journey is a vibrant tapestry woven with creativity and purpose. As she entered the workforce, Princess found her artistic fervor intensifying. Princess began to explore the intersection of art and identity. Driven by her passion, Princess subsequently launched her fashion line, Nekai Léon, in the Fall of 2022.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

RachelAulet-McGann Moments Always Remembered, LLC

Dr. Rachel Aulet‐McGann is the founder of Moments Always Remembered and Business Always Remembered, creating interactive keepsakes and smart NFC tools that preserve memories and elevate professional connections. Her mission blends tech, legacy, and emotion turning meaningful moments into lasting experiences for families and businesses alike.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

ShanilCapellan

Shanil’s Pastelitos

Shanil Capellan is the founder of a New York City-based catering service specializing in pastelitos (empanadas) crafted for a wide range of events. Her mission is to infuse Dominican and other cultural flavors into each creation, bringing a distinctive, flavorful twist to gatherings of any size or occasion.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

Shaw Bernard is a visionary entrepreneur, fashion industry expert, and AI consultant. Founder of STRUT Models, STRUT Esteem, and STRUT with Shaw, she’s redefining beauty, tech, and empowerment for the next generation.

ShawBernard STRUT

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

SherifaGayle

black N ugly / The Black Room

Sherifa Gayle is a designer, storyteller, and community builder dedicated to creating fashion that educates, inspires, and disrupts the status quo. Through Black N Ugly & The Black Room, she merges history with style, offering clothing and spaces that celebrate culture, spark pride, and empower future generations.

SheWorksHardfor theMoney

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

StephanieKehindeSamuel Brew & Bloom Wellness

Stephanie Samuel is the founder of Brew & Bloom Wellness, an assistant principal, certified Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) coach, and Emotional Intelligence (EI) coach. Passionate about helping highachieving, purpose-driven women recalibrate, she blends education, coaching, and storytelling to create tools and spaces that restore balance, clarity, and identity-aligned growth.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

TanishaGaskin-Christie Women Who Want More LLC

Tanisha Gaskin-Christie, founder of Women Who Want More, LLC, empowers individuals through workshops, coaching, and wellness services. With expertise in people development, branding, and self-care, she helps clients achieve personal and professional growth. She coaches over 100 women across 12 states, focusing on wellness and business success.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

TasheaYounge COOKING WITH HONCHO

Chef Honcho - Professional chef and caterer providing luxury private dining experiences.

TyThomas A NYC KID

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Ty Thomas turned everyday NYC nostalgia into –A NYC KID. Inspired by her son’s bodega breakfast order, she built a lifestyle brand that celebrates New York’s humor, grit, and timeless moments made for locals, transplants, and anyone who carries the NYC state of mind.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

YoudlynMoreau

Lynda Starr Music

Lynda Starr, born Youdlyn Moreau, is an R&B/Souldriven Vocalist and Songwriter from Brooklyn, NY. A dynamic performer, she graces NYC/NJ stages and writes for other artists. Committed to healing and inspiring through music, Starr uses music to leave an indelible mark on hearts and minds everywhere.

Dinner

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

Yvette Swinger is the owner of Swing It Inc., creating maintenance products for wigs, weaves, braids, locs, and hair extensions. With 30+ years as a hairstylist and ethnic hair care marketer, I understand consumer needs and deliver quality solutions that extend the life of synthetic and human hair.

YvetteSwinger

Swing It Inc